The Cleveland Browns were always going to give their rookie quarterbacks a chance to start this season, just maybe not as soon as September.
Joe Flacco, the Browns' lone veteran quarterback, has had a rough start to the 2025 season. So far, he has completed 62.2% of passes, thrown two touchdowns to three interceptions, and passed for 482 yards.
Cleveland has been outscored by their opponents 58-33, and it might be time for head coach Kevin Stefanski to look for a new spark on offense.
Joe Flacco Named Quarterback Most Likely to be Benched
In a piece written by Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, they both agreed that Flacco is the most likely of any starting quarterback to be benched.
"Flacco is safe for now but, as with most bridge quarterbacks fending off a rookie backup, the only way to successfully keep the job is to win a few games. Otherwise, teams pivot to the younger option, thinking the player can spark the offense or provide hope for the future," wrote Fowler.
"Flacco has maintained his arm strength and can still move a little. He was very crisp in Week 1. But Dillon Gabriel’s mobility is an asset if or when the Browns turn to him."
While it was initially suggested we wouldn't see the former Oregon Duck until midseason, Dillon Gabriel may be what the Browns offense needs right now.
Despite a rough schedule on the horizon that includes the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland is better off knowing what they have in their third-round pick sooner rather than later.
Shedeur Sanders will surely also get a shot at some point down the line, and the Browns will know for sure whether or not they are dipping back into the quarterback well when the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around.